[030212.EN.SEA] Maersk CEO Not To Be At Work As Scheduled, Extends Medical Leave Till April

AP Moller-Maersk Group CEO Nils Andersen is again in hospital with heart trouble and is no longer expected back at work this week as scheduled, but will extend his medical leave until April.

Mr Andersen, 54, is back in hospital in Switzerland for treatment for a leaks in his heart valves and related infections, the company announced.

This comes at a time when Maersk Line CEO Eivind Kolding, 52, is leaving the company to join Danske Bank at the end of next week, to be replaced by Maersk Tankers CEO Soren Skou, aged 44.

"During a vacation in Switzerland his condition deteriorated acutely, and therefore he has undergone surgery, which comprised replacement of a cardiac valve. The operation went well. Nils Andersen is expected to be absent for a month, and the doctors are expecting a full recovery," said a company statement.

"I am very sorry that Nils S Andersen is going through this course of illness, but I am pleased that he received skilled treatment, which coupled with the fact that he is in good shape means that we can soon welcome him back," says Maersk Group chairman Michael Pram Rasmussen, aged 56.

"The executive board will continue to run the AP Moller - Maersk Group, however, during Nils Andersen's absence the individual board members will be in close contact with me," said Mr Rasmussen.

Source : HKSG, 31.01.12.